The United States is not withdrawing from NATO despite reductions in forces available to the alliance, and European members are prepared to contribute more troops if necessary. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said Wednesday.
His statement ahead of a meeting of NATO defense ministers on Thursday came after the US told allies last month it would cut military assets committed to the alliance in the event of a crisis.
Rutte defends US cuts to NATO force model
“In some cases it has been presented as a problem – as if the US is moving away from its allies,” he said. “But that is not the reality. The United States has made clear that it is committed to NATO.”
He said the commitment came with the expectation that other members would share responsibility for Europe’s security.
Rutte described NATO as historically “highly dependent” on the US and said a reduction in its contribution would actually strengthen the alliance.
“Other colleagues have stepped up to contribute more and that is appropriate,” he said. “It makes us stronger.”
Denmark announced on Wednesday that it will deploy a battalion of 850 soldiers to the Baltic region in the autumn.
Allies filled the gap left by America
Rutte said that although the US has “adjusted its pledge”, the decision will not affect where troops are currently stationed, only “who will do what if our defense plans are activated.”
“There are areas where more work needs to be done, but the overall picture looks good,” he said.
American and German media reported that the cuts include a third of the 150 American F-16 and F-15 jets designated for NATO, as well as refueling and reconnaissance aircraft, bombers and drones. A submarine that can launch cruise missiles is also reportedly being rolled out, along with one of the two aircraft carrier groups.
NATO is going to meet in Ankara
After Thursday’s meeting of defense ministers, the next major NATO summit will take place in July, when the heads of the alliance’s 32 members meet in Turkey.
European NATO members pledging continued support for Ukraine and increased defense spending as a full-scale Russian offensive continues will be high on the agenda in Ankara.
Edited by: Rana Taha
Don’t let algorithms hide news. If you rely on our team for reliable reporting, please take a moment Choose us as your preferred source on Google by clicking here And press the “Star” or “Favorite” button, so you always see our verified news first.